Last week the WHO reported a fourth week of increasing COVID-19 cases; the information was qualified by the usual disclaimer of fewer tests and sequencing performed overall. Deaths declined by 12 percent on a global level. The greatest proportional increases in new cases were in France (up 33 percent) and Italy (up 50 percent). Of the Variants of Concern, the WHO notes that the proportion of BA.4 and BA.5 is increasing, however BA.5’s rate of increase is higher. Reinfections are also becoming more common, with estimates in the UK that around one quarter of new cases are in people who have previously been infected with SARS-CoV-2. Read more
In related news:
- The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee statement on COVID-19 winter update and ongoing health protection measures to support our community: Read more
- Prof. Raina MacIntyre writes on ‘Access to a second COVID booster vaccine has been expanded to people 30 years and over’ in The Conversation.
- The article ‘Whose breath are you breathing?’ focuses on high risk situations when dealing with an air-borne virus: Read more from RNZ.co.nz
- Worst case scenario during a summer break on the Continent: ‘Italy, Spain, France: The latest COVID rules if you test positive while on holiday in Europe’. Read more
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.